Corneal Neovascularization The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped structure that covers the iris (where the color is) and is the first surface light strikes on its way into the eye to the retina. Normally, the cornea is very clear, with an even, smooth surface. It is clear because the layers of tissue are in alignment and because it is a relative dehydrated tissue; the skin cells lining the back surface, called the endothelium , are constantly removing extra water from the cornea. (The w...Read More